The DeKalb County Community Foundation proudly announces the Michael Embrey Band Scholarship Fund. This scholarship supports Northern Illinois University (NIU) students actively participating in the Marching Band program. Established by Michael Embrey, the Fund honors his lifelong music career and pays forward the significant impact of the scholarship he received as a student.
Applications for the Embrey Band Scholarship open each fall (beginning in 2025). The recipient will be recognized during the NIU Homecoming football game each year.
Michael Embrey’s musical journey began at the age of six when his family moved from Texas to the Ozarks in southern Missouri, where his father opened a truck stop. One day, a trucker who couldn’t afford fuel offered a musical instrument as payment. Embrey’s father accepted the old, beat-up trumpet and gave it to Michael, who quickly learned to play. The local school band director recognized his talent and encouraged the family to seek more professional training for Michael.
The Embrey family relocated to Mount Prospect, Illinois. Michael joined the school band and the Championship Drum and Bugle Corps (The Cavaliers) during high school. His skills earned him a trumpet scholarship to the University of Illinois. This scholarship was life-changing for him.
At this time in his life, the Vietnam War was escalating. Embrey auditioned to become a musician and arranger for the United States Air Force Band and Drum Corps. After completing his four-year military tour, he returned to college on the GI Bill, spending two years as a professional musician. Shortly after, he was invited to apply for the NIU Marching Band Director position. He accepted the position.
As the new Band Director, Embrey transformed the NIU Marching Show Band, introducing a dance team (The Silverettes), flag corps, rifle corps, and twirling squad. His leadership revitalized the program, establishing a dynamic collegiate marching band.
After a decade of success, Embrey left NIU to launch his entertainment production and international travel companies. He remained in DeKalb, drawn by his love for the community, the university, and the friendships he made.
In October 2024, Northern Illinois University honored Embrey during the Homecoming Game, celebrating the 50th anniversary of his modernization of the Marching Band. Inspired by the recognition, Embrey established the Michael Embrey Band Scholarship Fund.
A single music scholarship changed my life,” Embrey shared. “It allowed me to continue pursuing my music career and opened doors I never imagined. I want to provide that same opportunity for future band members.
Embrey holds two degrees from Northern Illinois University, actively serves on multiple community organization boards, and has earned national recognition for his work with military veterans and veteran organizations.
Michael shared with us that he chose the DeKalb County Community Foundation because of our professionalism, something he experienced firsthand when creating the DeKalb County Veterans Recognition Fund,” said Community Foundation Executive Director Dan Templin. “This new Fund will carry on his legacy with the NIU Marching Band program, helping dozens of future NIU Marching Huskie Band members for years to come.
Donations to any Fund at the Community Foundation, including the Michael Embrey Band Scholarship Fund, can be made online at dekalbccf.org/donate or by mail to the DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore, IL 60178. For questions or to start your charitable Fund, please contact Dan Templin at 815-748-5383 or dan@dekalbccf.org.